Importance

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Abstract

A device and method for electrical stimulation of a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract, defining a longitudinal axis. A proximal and at least one distal electrode set are arranged circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in axially spaced relationship relative to each other. At least one power source provides an electrical stimulus to the electrode sets sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce a local circumferential contraction at each electrode set. A timing mechanism phase locks the electrical stimulus such that it is applied to the electrode sets successively and repetitively. The axially spaced relationship between the electrode sets and the timing of the electrical stimulus are selected such that the local circumferential contractions are artificially propagated distally through the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract.

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